President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into claims that telecommunications companies linked subscribers’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) to mobile lines without consent.
An inter-ministerial committee has been set up to handle the probe, comprising key government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr Nentawe Yilwatda.
The directive came during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, where concerns over improper NIN-SIM linkages were raised.
President Tinubu tasked the committee with verifying the claims and ensuring that accurate data is made available to relevant ministries.
The issue of unauthorised NIN-SIM linkages has sparked public outcry, with affected individuals reporting that their NINs were linked to unfamiliar phone numbers or multiple SIMs without their approval.
Many fear the potential risks of identity theft, fraud, and wrongful criminal implications.
Lawmakers have also stepped into the matter, with the House of Representatives launching its own inquiry.
During Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers Patrick Umoh and Professor Julius Ihonvbere sponsored a motion highlighting the dangers of unauthorised data linkage.
The House mandated its Committees on Communications and Interior to investigate and report back within four weeks.
There are growing calls for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to take decisive action against telecom providers found guilty of violating data protection laws.
Critics argue that such breaches undermine citizens’ privacy and could expose them to cybercrime risks.
The government’s response to this issue will likely shape future regulations on data protection and telecom operations in Nigeria.
